5+2 Questions for Dan Walwyn, Bass Player & Philosophy Teacher
Vietnam, investing in yourself and the similarities between making music and teaching
Dan is a musician, teacher and friend. He grew up in the United Kingdom and spent several years in Vietnam before moving to Australia. Dan plays the bass in the Melbourne Indie band Four in the Morning. When he’s not making music, working out, or spending time with his lovely partner Linh, Dan teaches English and Philosophy.
Who are you and how did you get where you are today?
Dan: I’d describe myself primarily as someone who thinks a lot and spends most of his energy on a handful of interests like music, language, exercise, and education. I’ve come to be who I am through an combination of the experiences I’ve been exposed to and the drive to always be improving or progressing in some way.
Could you detail one of the experiences that had the most impact on you? What do you think made it so memorable?
Dan: One of the most impactful experiences was doing a solo motorcycle trip across Southeast Asia. It taught me how to be truly responsible and self-reliant, and the joy of focusing on one task all day every day for a few weeks. The amount of new places and sights and smells I was exposed to over a fairly short space of time made it very memorable.
What's a major realisation or life lesson you had along the way from which readers might benefit?
Dan: Linking to the previous question, the realisation that the more you invest in yourself, the better reality becomes. Also, find out what you like doing and spend as much time as possible doing it (as long as it is good for you).
It seems like making music and teaching are two constants in your life. How would you say they benefit from each other?
Dan: I see both music and teaching as creative and personally transformative activities. They both shape who I am, so they complement each other in the sense that I bring myself to each of them. Another similarity is that they both involve being reactive to the other people involved, so learning how to do that has improved my teaching and my playing.
What would be a good example?
Dan: Playing music with others taught me how to listen to what others are doing musically and how to react/improvise in response. The principles of being present and reacting to what is happening in your immediate environment are useful for teaching because they are the foundations of adaptability and flexibility, which I think underpin the whole profession.
Can you think of a 'noble truth' that would make your life easier if more people acknowledged it?
Dan: Living a more examined life is beneficial both for yourself and everyone you ever interact with. Examined as in spending time reflecting on life and being aware of epistemology, ontology, and philosophy in general.
What price would someone have to pay to be Dan Walwyn?
Dan: The only sacrifice I can think of is to be away from family for prolonged periods of time.
Thanks for taking the time, Dan! 🐘
Have a good week everyone,
Chris
themindcollection.com